Week on, Srinagar-Leh highway remains closed

Srinagar, February 25

The Srinagar-Leh National Highway, vital for connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, remained shut for the seventh consecutive day on Sunday. The road was closed after heavy snowfall in the region leading to accumulation of the snow along the route. The road was closed last Sunday. The Zoji La Pass recorded an accumulation of over 5 feet of snow.

Weather unfavourable: BRO

• A senior official of the Border Roads Organisation has said once the weather condition turns favourable, they would start snow clearance operations on the Srinagar-Leh stretch. Forecasters have predicted another wet spell from February 27.

Officials say the road at Zoji La Pass is blocked due to snow accumulation. They also said Kargil-Zanskar Road at Penzila pass and Leh-Nobra Road crossing Khardungla pass, Leh-Tangtse Road crossing Changla pass were clear.

A senior official from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said once the weather condition turned favourable they would start snow clearance operations on the Srinagar-Leh stretch. Forecasters predict another wet spell starting from February 27.

Avalanches have struck multiple locations, complicating the efforts to reopen the highway. Despite the challenges, this year witnessed the Srinagar-Leh National Highway remaining operational for an extended period during the winter.

Under the BRO Project Beacon, oversees maintenance and clearance operations of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway from Sonamarg to Zero Point on Zojila, while Project Vijayak is tasked with similar responsibilities from the Drass side.

In Kashmir, the weather continues to remain wet with feeble western disturbances, particularly in the mountainous regions where snowfall is anticipated. Light snowfall is expected on February 26 and 27, with a brief spell of wintry conditions for February 28. March 1 and 2 are predicted to experience heavy snowfall and thunderstorms, especially in higher reaches, accompanied by rain and strong winds.